Key cap or button for type-writing machines.



W. R. FOX. KEY GAP on BUTTON FOR TYPE WRITING MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED DEG. 9, 1911.

. 1,087,650 Patented Feb. 17, 1914.

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* m ummu WILLIAM R. FOX, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

KEY CAP OR BUTTON FOB TYPE-WRITING MACHINES.

Specification of Letters Patent.

- Patented Feb'.17,1914.

Application filed December 9, 1911. Serial No. 664,775.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, have invented cer-,

tain new and useful Improvements in Key Caps or. Buttons for Type-Writing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in key caps or buttons for typewriting machines. 1

The principal object of this invention is to provide a simple, light, metallic body construction of button, with a special improved means for retaining a celluloid or similar capcovering in place.

Objects relating to mere details and economies of construction will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow. v

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices-and means described in the following specification.

The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure constituting an effective and preferred embodiment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification, in which- Figure I is a detail view of a portion of a key lever with one of my improved caps or buttons in place. Fig. II is an enlarged detail transverse sectional view taken on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of, Figs. I and III. Fig. III is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. II. Fig. IV is a detail view of a-portion of the side of the metallic button head 6, showing the corrugations or knurlings. Fig. V is an enlarged detail sectional view of a portion of the same metallic button head, showing the form of corrugations or lmurlings made thereon.

In the drawings, similar numerals of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional. views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

Referring to the numbered parts of the drawing, the key lever 1 is providedwith a vertical stem 2, which is shouldered at 3 toward its upper end portion, on which rests a disk 4; constituting the base of the button. The stem 2 is also shouldered at its upper end at 5, and a hollow metallin'cap-like head 6 of sheet metal rests against this shoulder. The head is concave on its upper surface. The disk 4 is shouldered on its periphery at 7 to receive the lower end of the cap-like head 6.

The upper end of the stem 2 is riveted down and clamps the cap and disk parts securely in place, forming a hollow head on a comparatively long shank. Preferably in the process of manufacture, vertical knurl grooves 8 are formed in the periphery of the metallic cap head 6, as clearly appears from a reference to-Figs. IV and V. The upper portion of the button head is left smooth.

A button cap cover 9 of celluloid or similar material, having a concave portion 9' at the center, conforms to the button head 6 and is retained in place by the knurlings 8 engaging within the same. This retains the cap merely by friction because of the peculiar surface, and makes it possible to readily remove and replace the cap. The celluloid cap covers, which bear the characters, can be put in place after the machine has been completely assembled, thereby avoiding injury to the key buttons on the key board during manufacture. In case of injury, the cap cover is readily removable.

The celluloid covers 9 are especially conformed with the concave portion 9' in the center, which rests very snugly against the head, making a. perfect fit at that point, and at the same time affording a perfectly conformed key for the action of the finger tips of the operator. This special form of cover, with the concave portion, insures perfect action on the periphery of the head portion in engaging the corrugations or knurlings referred to. f

I have described my invention in its preferred form. I desire to claim it specifically because of its valuable features, and also broadly as appears from the appended claims.

The structure is very effective and practical with the knurlings omitted, the cap being secured in place by shellac 'or suitable cement.

Having thus described my invention, what ters Patent is:

1. The combination of a key stem with I claim as new and desire to secure by Letdouble shoulderings at the top; a button botton'i Withshouldered periphery fittingagainst the lower of said shoulders; a hollow cap body portion with concave .top and vert cal knurlings on its periphery, fitting the upper shoulder and conformed to ,fit the shoulder on the button bottom; and a concave celluloid cap cover conformed to said metal body portion and fitted thereon and retained by frictional contact, with the said knurlings, as specified. I

The combination of a key stem with double shoulderings at the top; a button bottom with shouldered periphery fitting against the lower of said shoulders; a hollow cap body portion with vertical knurlings on its periphery fitting the upper shoulder and conformed to fit the shoulder on the button bottom; and a celluloid cap cover conformed to said metal body portion and fitted thereon and retained by frictional contact with the said knurlings, as specified.

3. The combination of a key stem with double shoulderings at the top; 'a button bottom fitting against the lower of said shoulders; a hollow cap body portion with vertical knurlings on its periphery fittingthe upper shoulder and conformed to fit the-button bottom; a celluloid cap cover conformed to said metal body portion and fitted thereon and retained by frictional contact with the said knurlings, as specified.

4. The combination of a key stem with double shoulderings at the top; a button bottom fitting against the lower of said shoulders; a hollow cap body portion with concave top and vertical knurlings on its periphery fitting the upper shoulder and conformed to fit the button bottom; and a concave celluloid cap cover conformed to said metal body portion and fitted thereon and retained by frictional contact with the said knurlings, as specified.

5. The combination of a hollow button made up of bottom and top portions; a shouldered key stem with separated shoulders formed therein for said top and bottom to engage the same in spaced relation; and a celluloid cap with concave centerfit- .ting the said button, coacting for the pur pose specified.

' 6. The combination of a hollow button made up of bottom and top portions; a shouldered key stem with separated shoulders formed therein for said top and bottom to engage the same in spaced relation; and a celluloid cap fitting the said button, coacting for the purpose specified.

7. The combination of a substantially cylindrical button body having a concave top and a knurled periphery, and a celluloid cap with concave center conformed to said body and retained in place by frictional contact with the knurled periphery, as spedified.

S. The combination of a substantially cylindrical button body with knurled periphcry, and a celluloid cap conformed to said body and retained in place by frictional con tact with the knurled periphery, as specified.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of tw witnesses.

WILLIAM R. FOX. [L. s.]

\Vitnesses:

,CLAUDE E. Lone,

LENA CHURoH. 

